Honda City First Generation

The first Honda City (AA for sedans, VF for vans and FA for the wider Turbo II and Cabriolets) was introduced in November 1981. It was innovative due to its tall seating arrangement, creating comparable legroom to a car many times its size. Produced as a 3-door hatchback in a variety of trim levels, it proved a popular car on the Japanese market. The City was also available together with the Motocompo, a special 50cc 'foldaway' scooter designed to fit in the City's small luggage area.

In September 1982 a turbocharged version of the 1231 cc Honda ER engine was introduced, one of a very few Honda models ever to be turbocharged. A Pininfarina designed drop-top Cabriolet utilized the wider fenders and bigger bumpers of the Turbo II "Bulldog", but was only normally available with the naturally aspirated 67 PS (49 kW) engine. There was also a Pro-series of van versions with either two or four seats. A high-roof "R Manhattan Roof" version with a 10 cm taller roof also appeared.

Exports of the City were primarily to Europe (where it was renamed Honda Jazz, due to Opel having trademarked the City name), Australia (in two seater 'van' form, to circumvent Australian import restrictions on passenger vehicles at the time) and New Zealand (where it was locally assembled). Production ended in late 1986 with the introduction of the GA type City.